Meet the candidates in Washington Township's Republican primary race

The Washington Township Times asked all nine candidates vying for the positions of mayor and council to answer a series of questions about their priorities if elected. Two Republicans are competing for their party’s nod for the mayor’s race, and four Republicans are seeking nominations to run for the two council seats. The Democrats — mayoral candidate Barbara Wallace and council candidates Councilman Scott Newman and Michelle Martin — are uncontested. The Democrats declined to participate. This is the first in a series of four questions the candidates have been asked to answer. This week’s question is: If you are elected to office in Washington Township, what would be your first three orders of business?

Photo providedFrom left to right, Sal LoPresti, Tim Attanasi and Mike Gilletti are running for the Republican nomination for mayor and two council seats. Attanasi is the mayoral candidate.

Family: Married to Rose Marie 15 years, five kids (including triplets)

“I would meet with all the township managers and personnel and mention that an in-depth analysis of each department will be conducted. The objective will be a) Find out their department’s needs, b) Problem areas, obstacles they come across while doing their work, c) Stress department efficiency, d) Setting department goals and teamwork throughout the work force will be paramount. Most importantly, sending a message that we are not about party affiliations, we are here to work and serve the people of Washington Township to the very best of our abilities. I will also make sure they have a complete understanding that while I am in office, an open-door policy will prevail 24/7 to the work force and to every resident in Washington Township.

Mike Gilletti, Republican council candidate

Profession: Commercial Real Estate Broker

Education: High school/ Real Estate training

Family: Married, one daughter, two grandchildren

I believe that no one person can change the course of government in Washington Township but rather, there needs to be a team approach. I will work with all elected officials, regardless of party affiliation, to strive for a transparent, honest and fair government in representing the best interest of all of the residents of Washington Township. In order to ensure that government performs efficiently in serving the people of this township, I will ask members of council to lay aside their personal agenda, misunderstandings and politics. I will ask members of the executive and legislative branch (mayor and council) to act professionally and with respect to each other when addressing township business at council meetings. The administration building needs to be illuminated, not only in decor, but with “smiling faces.” I would suggest that the mayor take a look at each employee who deals with the public and remind them that they are employed for the residents’ benefit, and that they are to greet our residents with a smile and with respect. Just as in any other business the “taxpayer” comes first. If that means shifting personnel that may be better suited to serve the public in another department to accomplish this then let it be done.

Salvatore Lopresti, Republican council candidate

Profession: Self-Employed Business Owner

Education: 12th grade

Family: Married with 3 children, 5 grandchildren

First and foremost we need to put people before politics; an easy statement to make but seldom implemented. Serving on council is a responsibility to the residents of the town and not to a political party, nor should it be a stepping stone to the next political position.

Second, I intend to reach out in many ways to the constituents to try to determine what they feel are the problems in Washington Township, and then I will do what I need to do to effect the changes. I have lived in Washington Township for many years, raised my family here, and I am proud to be watching them raise theirs, I would like to make Washington Township a better place for them to do just that.

Third, I want to be able to work with the rest of the governing body, not as adversaries, but as partners; to put aside the infighting and grandstanding and simply get the job done... which goes right back to people before politics.

Education: The Pennsylvania State University (B.S.), Widener University (M.S.)

Family: Married, one son

A.) Work with administration to balance, maintain and improve the budgeting process and transparency, utilizing input from all officials, working together for the best service to the public.

B.) Investigate ways to develop the town’s assets and amenities to encourage responsible growth and development, working to make Washington Township a destination once again for families and core businesses.

C.) To stimulate community awareness, involvement and participation in the governing process to provide transparency between local government and the citizens of Washington Township, to be proactive to the town’s needs.

Tahir Mella, Republican council candidate

Profession: Attorney

Education: Rutgers University Law School at Camden, Ateno de Manila Law School, University of the Philippines

Family: Married with four children

Work with the administration to come up with, and most of all, keep, a balanced budget, as well as maintain, if not improve, the integrity and accountability of those who have the power to disburse or otherwise dispose of township monies and other property. Explore ways and means to keep up and develop the township’s assets such as parks and other recreational facilities (ball parks, lake parks, etc.) for both the enjoyment of the residents, and also to stimulate revenue for the municipality. Develop and improve township infrastructure such as roads, curbs, street signs, as well as promote cleaning efforts to make Washington Township a better place for all residents.

Efficient municipal administration — With a background in public administration, I know firsthand how to manage multi-million dollar budgets and large staffs. My first step will be to increase transparency and accountability with the government. We need, and the people deserve, a government that looks out for the public interest over the interests of a select few. We will utilize the township website to increase transparency, putting all meetings online and make it easier to find documents. Fiscal integrity — My first priority will be towards the working families in Washington Township to keep taxes low so that they can provide for their families and keep more money in their pockets. We can reduce government spending by re-evaluating government contracts and explore options to share services in instances that make sense financially. Economic development based on community planning — First thing, we need to make our community more competitive for new businesses by keeping taxes low. Secondly, we must be creative in how we recruit job developers to our area. We need to engage our Board of Economic Development with the South Jersey Region offering businesses options to locate and grow in Washington Township. We need to be very focused and very aggressive when it comes to creating jobs and attracting business.